135 pages may be excessive but 0 pages is worthless

legal updates

Don't fall into a lawyer's trap of saying something in a paragraph that could just as easily have been written in a sentence?

Read our disclaimer keyboard_arrow_down

This website content is intended as a general guide to law as it applies to the motor trade. Lawgistics has taken every effort to ensure that the contents are as accurate and up to date as at the date of first publication.

The laws and opinions expressed within this website may be varied as the law develops. As such we cannot accept liability for or the consequence of, any change of law, or official guidelines since publication or any misuse of the information provided.

The opinions in this website are based upon the experience of the authors and it must be recognised that only the courts and recognised tribunals can interpret the law with authority.

Examples given within the website are based on the experience of the authors and centre upon issues that commonly give rise to disputes. Each situation in practice will be different and may comprise several points commented upon.

If you have any doubt about the correct legal position you should seek further legal advice from Lawgistics or a suitably qualified solicitor. We cannot accept liability for your failure to take professional advice where it should reasonably be sought by a prudent person.

All characters are fictitious and should not be taken as referring to any person living or dead.

Use of this website shall be considered acceptance of the terms of the disclaimer presented above.

In a previous legal update we mentioned how we were assisting one of our clients who had been given Congestion Charge fines on a vehicle that they had given to a customer on a ‘courtesy’ basis whilst their own was being repaired.

The Appeal against those fines is being considered by an independent panel in August and it’s not for me to pass any more comment on the detail of the case until after the event.  However, it is usual in such matters for opposing parties to have to give their evidence to each other in advance.  Lawgistics submitted 5 pages of legal submissions as evidence in two stages.  Transport for London sent us 135 pages.  As the appeal is based on 2 points of law only it reminded me of that often used clich ‘less is more’.  And that sometimes when I review letters I’ve drafted for clients I have to ask myself whether I too have fallen into the lawyer’s trap of saying something in a paragraph that could just as easily have been written in a sentence?

But the real problem is when a business receives letters of complaint but does nothing about them or waits too long before replying.  For when that customer then goes to court the fact of the matter is that no matter how poor their case is against you, not responding to complaints will be treated by the court as a very serious failing on your part.  It could actually be the difference between winning and losing a case.

And so if you cannot reply quickly at least send a holding acknowledgement letter before setting aside time to formulate a response (or forwarding it onto us).  Put simply, when you receive a customer complaint, doing nothing should simply not be an option.

DMS NavigatorDealer Management System software for Car Sales, Aftersales and eCommerce

Our dealers use us to help them be more Efficient and Profitable!

You can use our Dealer and Lead Management software to integrate all dealership departments, both online and physical ; providing all in-house functions; Invoicing, Stock Management, Accounting and Marketing as well as interfacing for advertising, ecommerce and more.

Jason WilliamsLegal AdvisorRead More by this author

Related Legal Updates

I’m On The Register!!

If a judgment in default is issued, a CCJ is recorded immediately on the relevant credit file.

Court management service raises money for charity

Members can leave the legal worries to us and can focus on their core business of selling vehicles, running their service and repair garages, and/or MOT testing centres.

The law is not an exact science

We have all had surefire winners fail due to the smallest issue, but equally, we have all won cases that we had no right to.

Introduction of Small Claims Paper Determination Pilot Scheme

If you receive or issue a court claim which is subject to the pilot scheme, preparation of your claim or defence and statements will be crucial.

The real difference between claims under and over £10k

Litigation isn’t always just about having a strong argument, there are many factors that can help you win a case and reduce your risk.

See you in court… in a year or so…

Before deciding to issue or defend proceedings, it is important to consider how court delays may impact you as a business and as an individual.

Winning cases in court

The factors for the court to decide are: whether the breach was serious, why it occurred, and all other circumstances.

Get in touch

Complete the form to get in touch or via our details below:

Phone
01480 455500
Address

Vinpenta House
High Causeway
Whittlesey
Peterborough
PE7 1AE

By submitting this quote you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.